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Soy sauce

Image: Open Food Facts (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Common questions

Is Soy sauce healthy?

Soy sauce scores 75/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This soy sauce is a processed food with a relatively simple ingredient list, including water, soybeans, wheat, and salt.

How processed is Soy sauce?

Soy sauce is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Soy sauce's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Sodium benzoate is flagged as an ingredient of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Soy sauce

Taste Of Inspirations
Bioengineered
75 Good

Analysis updated September 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 0
Harmful ingredients 1
Owned by Ahold Delhaize
Category Condiments
Summary

This soy sauce is a processed food with a relatively simple ingredient list, including water, soybeans, wheat, and salt. However, it contains sodium benzoate, a preservative that can form harmful compounds under certain conditions, which is a concern for health-conscious consumers. The product's processing level and the presence of this preservative influence its overall rating.

Key ingredients 5

Water
Neutral

Water is a neutral ingredient that acts as a solvent and carrier for other ingredients. It is essential for the fermentation process in soy sauce production. No significant health impacts are associated with water in this context.

See more about Water →
Soybeans
Neutral

Soybeans are a source of protein and essential amino acids. In soy sauce, they undergo fermentation, which can enhance flavor and digestibility. However, the processing reduces the nutritional content compared to whole soybeans.

Risks

Soybeans may cause allergic reactions in some individuals.

Benefits

Fermentation of soybeans can produce beneficial compounds like isoflavones.

See more about Soybeans →
Wheat
Neutral

Wheat is used in soy sauce as a carbohydrate source for fermentation. It contributes to the flavor profile of the sauce. The fermentation process reduces gluten content, but it may still be present.

Risks

Wheat contains gluten, which can be problematic for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Benefits

Provides carbohydrates that are essential for the fermentation process.

See more about Wheat →
Salt
Neutral

Salt is a key ingredient in soy sauce, providing flavor and acting as a preservative. It is essential for the fermentation process and helps inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria. However, high sodium intake can be a health concern.

Risks

Excessive consumption of salt can lead to high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues.

Benefits

Acts as a preservative and enhances the flavor of soy sauce.

See more about Salt →
Sodium benzoate
Bad

Sodium benzoate is a preservative used to extend shelf life by inhibiting microbial growth. It is generally recognized as safe in small amounts but can form benzene, a carcinogen, under certain conditions. Its presence in food is often viewed negatively due to potential health concerns.

Risks

May form benzene, a known carcinogen, when combined with ascorbic acid (vitamin C) under certain conditions.

Benefits

Effectively prevents spoilage and extends the shelf life of products.

See more about Sodium benzoate →

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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